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QuickNode Rollup-as-a-Service (RaaS)

Updated on
Sep 25, 2024

Overview​

QuickNode's Rollup-as-a-Service (RaaS) enables users to launch and deploy their own Layer 2 (L2) or Layer 3 (L3) Rollup. This service supports multiple frameworks, including ZKsync's ZK Stack, Arbitrum Orbit Stack, and OP stack. Every QuickNode Testnet Rollup comes equipped with high-performance RPC endpoints, Blockscout block explorer, and Bridge UI services.

Understanding Rollups​

What are Rollups?​

Rollups are Layer 2 scaling solutions designed to enhance the performance of existing blockchain networks, particularly Ethereum. By addressing the scalability trilemma, rollups increase transaction speed and reduce costs without compromising security. Here's how they work:


  • Transaction Consolidation: Rollups aggregate multiple transactions into a single batch, efficiently processing a large number of operations at once.
  • Layer 1 Integration: After processing, rollups submit condensed transaction data to the main blockchain (Layer 1). This ensures that the security of the base layer is leveraged while achieving scalability.

Types of Rollups​

Optimistic Rollups​

Optimistic rollups take an "optimistic" approach to transaction validation, assuming all transactions are valid unless proven otherwise. The key characteristics of Optimistic Rollups are:

  • Assume transactions are valid by default
  • Require proof only in cases of suspected fraudulent activity
  • Transactions reach finality after a delay, due to the challenge period
  • Offer high compatibility with existing Ethereum tools and infrastructure

Examples: Arbitrum Nitro, OP Stack

Zero-Knowledge (ZK) Rollups​

ZK rollups use advanced cryptography to validate transactions, offering enhanced privacy and faster finality. The key characteristics of Zero-Knowledge (ZK) Rollups are:

  • Utilize cryptographic proofs (zk-SNARKs or zk-STARKs) for transaction validation
  • Provide faster transaction finality
  • Provide improved privacy features

Examples: ZK Stack, Polygon CDK

Supported Rollup Frameworks​

QuickNode's Rollup-as-a-Service supports three leading rollup frameworks, each offering unique advantages for different use cases.

Arbitrum Nitro​

Arbitrum Nitro is a proven Optimistic Rollup technology powering major L2 solutions like Arbitrum One and Arbitrum Nova. The key advantages of using Arbitrum Nitro are:

  • Cost-efficient transactions (10-100x cheaper than Ethereum)
  • Full Ethereum compatibility
  • Fast block times (as quick as 250ms)
  • Functional fault proofs
  • Scalability options (Arbitrum Anytrust, Celestia DA)
  • Customizable native token

Optimism Bedrock (OP Stack)​

Optimism Bedrock, also known as the OP Stack, is the technology behind Optimism Mainnet and Base, offering a well-established Optimistic Rollup solution. The key advantages of using Optimism Bedrock are:

  • Cost-efficient transactions (10-100x cheaper than Ethereum)
  • Full Ethereum compatibility
  • Fast block times (2s per block)
  • Superchain integration option

The Superchain Concept​

The Optimism Superchain creates a unified network of OP Stack-based chains, offering:

  • Seamless bridging between member chains
  • Shared governance mechanisms
  • Enhanced inter-chain communication

ZK Stack​

ZK Stack provides a modular, open-source framework for building customized blockchain networks using zero-knowledge proof technology. The key features of ZK Stack are:

  • Ultra-low transaction fees
  • Ethereum compatibility for easy integration
  • Native account abstraction for improved user experience
  • Cross-chain functionality through hyperbridges
  • Ability to create a customized native token
  • Independent operation secured by Ethereum L1
  • Seamless interconnectivity between Hyperchains

Hyperchain Concept​

ZK Stack introduces the innovative Hyperchain model:

  • Parallel zkEVM instances that collectively settle on Ethereum mainnet
  • Consistent security guarantees across all hyperchains
  • Leverages Ethereum's security model without additional trust assumptions

Pricing​

Testnet Pricing​

QuickNode offers an introductory price of $150/month for each testnet instance, regardless of the framework (OP Stack, Arbitrum Orbit, ZK Stack) being used.

Credits​

Credits for L2/L3 are consumed similarly to how API credits are consumed for all other QuickNode EVM calls.

How to Deploy Your Rollup with QuickNode RaaS​

Testnet Deployment​


  • Visit the QuickNode dashboard and create an account or sign in.
  • Navigate to the Rollups Dashboard page and select "Deploy a new rollup".
  • Choose a chain name and paste an Ethereum wallet address to designate as the admin address (responsible for upgrading sequencer/batcher address, upgrading contracts, etc).
  • Choose Framework: Pick from available options (Arbitrum Nitro, Optimism Bedrock, zkSync's ZK Stack).
  • Choose Settlement Layer: This is the chain that you bridge tokens to/from
  • Choose DA Layer: The Data Availability layer is the blockchain where L2 state is posted to to secure the Rollup
  • Click "Deploy New Rollup" to deploy your testnet environment. This process typically takes between 15-20 minutes.

Mainnet Deployment​

If you want to deploy a production Mainnet rollup, Reach out to us, and we’ll schedule a call to learn more about your use case and discuss pricing, configurations, and timelines.

L1 Wallet Funding​


  • For Testnet Instances, the batcher and proposer wallet addresses that handle storing the L2 state to L1 are automatically handled.
  • For Mainnet deployment, making sure that the wallet address thats responsible for posting the L2 state to L1 maintains enough balance is the responsibility of the chain operator. We can provide you tools to make this easier, including a notification system whenever the wallet balance falls below a certain threshold

Testnet Wallet Funding​

To get testnet ETH on your new L2 Rollup,


  1. Visit the QuickNode Faucet to get some testnet Sepolia ETH
  2. In your Rollup dashboard, request a new Bridge UI URL and click Install Bridge if you haven't already
  3. Go to the Bridge URL, connect using your browser wallet, and select Deposit
  4. Select the amount of ETH you want to deposit
  5. Confirm the deposit, and sign the transaction

After ~3 minutes, you should see your balance increase on your wallet after switching to the rollup chain in your browser wallet. You can use these funds to transfer between wallets, deploy contracts, and start interacting with your Rollup.


Additional Resources​


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